The OFFICIAL Classroom Reef Build Thread!
- Thread starter Conesus_Kid
- Start date
oceanparadise1
In Memoriam
ha, i would not do that if i was u idk about u but i would NOT be able to do anything during that class but stare at the tank!
Conesus_Kid
Premium Member
Anthony, I teach 7th grade life science, so I don't think you'd get your chem credit if you transferred! 
Luckily, the tank is at the back of the room, so it will be obvious when someone's looking at the tank when they shouldn't be!
Tom- Thanks for the kind words. It is lots of fun, but it's an unusual build. I kind of feel like I'm on 'Extreme Makeover' Aquarium Edition since I'm cramming the whole thing into a week or so!
I'll feel a lot better once everything's up and running. (Then I can start the breeding system build!)
Luckily, the tank is at the back of the room, so it will be obvious when someone's looking at the tank when they shouldn't be!
Tom- Thanks for the kind words. It is lots of fun, but it's an unusual build. I kind of feel like I'm on 'Extreme Makeover' Aquarium Edition since I'm cramming the whole thing into a week or so!
I'll feel a lot better once everything's up and running. (Then I can start the breeding system build!)
Scott,
I'll certainly follow this thread as it continues. These kids have a great opportunity to be in a school setting that is fueled with such passion; I can't imagine your enthusiasm won't become infectious. I'm sure this will make a significant difference in thieir lifes. Great job.
I'll certainly follow this thread as it continues. These kids have a great opportunity to be in a school setting that is fueled with such passion; I can't imagine your enthusiasm won't become infectious. I'm sure this will make a significant difference in thieir lifes. Great job.
naprestsleep
blank
So Scott instead of the kids turning around to stare at the tank you will be teach them looking over their heads at the tank wonder about what you can change, add or need to do next.
My GF yells at me all the time cause I will look over at her on the couch but I am really looking at my tank behind her.
My GF yells at me all the time cause I will look over at her on the couch but I am really looking at my tank behind her.
This is a really impressive set up and build. It is almost a same that the kids don't see the work that went into this build. Maybe you should make them read the thread as assigned homework!
Do you have a plan to incorporate the tank into some kind of lesson or teaching tool? I am going to assume that you are and wonder how you plan on doing it?
Thanks
Ben
Do you have a plan to incorporate the tank into some kind of lesson or teaching tool? I am going to assume that you are and wonder how you plan on doing it?
Thanks
Ben
oceanparadise1
In Memoriam
thats a good idea ben, then have a quiz on it!
Conesus_Kid
Premium Member
Ben,
Thanks for the kind words.
Part of the study related to the tank will be with reef ecosystems. We'll look at energy flow, cycles of matter, inter- and intra-species relationships, as well as the similarities and differences between our system and the "real" reef.
This year's group will also do a bit of research into appropriate vs. inappropriate inhabitants for our system as we stock it throughout the year.
We'll also be setting up a small breeding system. I'm planning on about four or five broodstock pairs (some clowns, Pseudochromis, some cardinals, and maybe some gobies) with two larval rearing chambers and two growout tanks. We may try some of the "easier" to breed inverts. That will open the door to lots of possible lessons and experiments.
Add to this the daily science process skills required to run a reef aquarium (testing, dosing, etc.) and we've got ourselves an educational grand slam!
Henry Colf
New member
remember I promised you frags so when your ready let me know.
oregonanenome
Premium Member
Excellent. In my room I have three tanks going. Kiss your Summers goodbye.
Still, having sw in your room is an amazing experience for kids. Hope you cross train your peers. there are times when you will need their help.
Best of luck.
This is our PNWMAS Project coming along. Not as impressive as yours but in the right direction.
http://www.tanksforteachers.wikispaces.com/
We are planning on getting 10 teachers tanks here in Oregon by the end of next school year. I don't know if we will be putting in tanks over 29 gallons in classrooms though. 280 is impressive.
Still, having sw in your room is an amazing experience for kids. Hope you cross train your peers. there are times when you will need their help.
Best of luck.
This is our PNWMAS Project coming along. Not as impressive as yours but in the right direction.
http://www.tanksforteachers.wikispaces.com/
We are planning on getting 10 teachers tanks here in Oregon by the end of next school year. I don't know if we will be putting in tanks over 29 gallons in classrooms though. 280 is impressive.
dan10342
New member
wow this thread is amazing. and the year hasnt even started yet! do you plan on using artificial flow (as in powerheads and closed loops) or a more natural approach with dump buckets? IMO just watching a reef tank with dump buckets looks amazing.
and what about the kids who really dont care about reef life (i could name a few at my school who would be more amused by throwing pencils in the tank or dumping vitamin water in there..)
is the canopy going to be locked?
and what about the kids who really dont care about reef life (i could name a few at my school who would be more amused by throwing pencils in the tank or dumping vitamin water in there..)
is the canopy going to be locked?
Conesus_Kid
Premium Member
We'll be using a Dart on a closed loop and two Vortechs in addition to the Barracuda return pump for flow.
The prep room with all of the equipment and the controller are located has a locking door. Honestly, if someone wants to toss something in the tank, they'll need a stepladder to open up the canopy!
I haven't decided on locking the canopy yet. I've kept a 90 gallon freshwater tank and turtle in my room for years, and I've never had a problem at all. I've found that by having the kids help with care and feeding, they look out for things for me, and it shows them that I trust them. (I hope I didn't just jinx myself! :eek1: )
I purchased my RO/DI and mixing vessels today. I picked up a couple of these 55 gallon drums from Ontario Recycling: ($25 each. Cheaper than a Brute and they'll last forever!)
The acrylic pieces and RO/DI unit arrive tomorrow. I'll be wet testing Wednesday morning and will hopefully have saltwater and rock in it before the weekend.
Henry- Thanks so much for the generous offer. I'll let you know when we're ready!
Thanks!
Capt_Cully
Active member
Diggin this thread Scott. Good luck with the FW test. You're gonna have your work cut out for you with all that plumbing to check!
oregonanenome
Premium Member
The kids will love it.
Things I have learned about maintenance.
Keep a mag float out of the tank. Monitor their use closely.
Keep the canopy access hard open do but do not lock it. Make it inconvenient to drop in pencils so you can see it when its's coming.
Block off proximity to the tanks with desks or furniture when you have a sub. Works wonders.
Also, surge tanks are hard to teach with simultaneously. They are loud and distracting. nothing like the sound of a toilet bowl to get middle school kids distracted!
Things I have learned about maintenance.
Keep a mag float out of the tank. Monitor their use closely.
Keep the canopy access hard open do but do not lock it. Make it inconvenient to drop in pencils so you can see it when its's coming.
Block off proximity to the tanks with desks or furniture when you have a sub. Works wonders.
Also, surge tanks are hard to teach with simultaneously. They are loud and distracting. nothing like the sound of a toilet bowl to get middle school kids distracted!
